Homelessness in London

[TakeMeToYourLiar]

I was in London for the first time in a while today. The homelessness on the Strand was just heartbreaking. What can I do to help?

Do people really have to pay for shelters?

Donate money regularly - either via the big charities (Shelter, Crisis etc) or smaller local ones.

Homelessness has increased and isn't exclusive to cities (it tends to be more hidden in rural areas).

There are also those in inadequate temporary accommodation (eg families fleeing domestic violence) for whom there is little long term support.

Contrary to popular media stereotypes, the homeless didn't all arrive in migrant boats. There are a variety of reasons - eg inadequate support for those with mental health issues or addictions, those who have suffered abuse etc, in part arising from cuts in Council budgets.

I think people would be genuinely shocked at how inadequate the safety net is - eg imagine suffering a bereavement, then as a consequence losing your job, home, savings etc.
You won't simply be immediately handed a safe, warm home and benefits till you get back on your feet and you may well go through hell in the interim.

Can I suggest a donation to the salvation army too op? Lots of the lifehouses in London provide severe weather beds for street homeless people. Your money will help provide a hot meal and a sleeping bag in a warm office for the night in those circumstances. It's not a perfect system but it does save lives.

Can I suggest another one. There are adverts on the tubes suggesting donations to Whitechapel Mission.

I too would like to know about homeless ppl asking for money to stay in a shelter - usually £8/12 . Do some shelters charge ?

It is hard ,I know donations to organisations is recommended as opposed to giving money to ppl on the street .And I know many asking for money may be using it for drugs /drink .

But....who am to judge . I've often thought of carrying warm socks to hand out .

It really is heartbreaking. The state of this country is shocking, I don't know what the best thing we can do to help is. I donate, I buy food for them, give small change, I donate to food banks, uniform banks.

I don't know which of these things makes the biggest difference

Thanks all.

Have given money to crisis at Christmas, set up a standing order to Salvation Army and contacted my local shelter to see if I can make volunteering work

Planning to write to my MP too

It's not enough, but it's all I can at the moment

If you have time over Christmas, join as a volunteer for Crisis at Christmas. I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life.